Campo Wildfire Holds At 1,000 Acres As Containment Increases

CAMPO, CA — Crews worked overnight Tuesday to contain a wildfire that prompted evacuations and forced freeway closures in southeastern San Diego County.

As of Wednesday morning, the Tusil Fire in Campo remained at 1,000 acres, while containment increased to 25%, according to Cal Fire. One structure was damaged in the blaze.

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"Fire activity moderated overnight, allowing firefighters to strengthen containment lines and continue making progress toward full containment," a Cal Fire spokesperson said. "Aircraft will be over the fire beginning at 8 a.m. to assess conditions and provide aerial support to ground resources."

The blaze broke out around 1 p.m. Tuesday in the 37000 block of Tusil Road, north of I-8, according to Cal Fire.

Fire officials said the fire was burning in light to moderate brush and threatening nearby structures. Within about an hour, the fire had spread over the grounds of Campo Indian Reservation, charred 30 acres and was moving toward I-8.

Officials reported around 5 p.m. that the blaze had spread to 550 acres and crossed I-8. Cal Fire increased the estimated burn area to 1,000 acres shortly before 8 p.m.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders and warnings for neighborhoods near the burn area. View the map here.

As of Wednesday morning, evacuation orders remained in place for the following zones: SDC-2170, SDC-2172 and SDC-2240. Evacuation warnings remained in place for the following zones: SDC-2169, SDC-2171, SDC-2173, SDC-2325 and SDC-2326.

A temporary shelter was established at Golden Acorn Casino at 1800 Golden Acorn Way in Campo.

On Tuesday, the California Highway Patrol closed westbound I-8 at Crestwood Road and eastbound I-8 at Kitchen Creek Road due to the fire. One lane has been reopened in both directions.

"Expect delays and use caution in the area," the CHP El Cajon Area Office posted Tuesday night on X. "The closures will be reassessed tomorrow mid-morning."

There were 178 personnel assigned to the fire Wednesday, including 25 engines, seven hand crews, two helicopters, two water tenders, one dozer and 25 other resources.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.